Villagers work in nearby fields as Mount Sinabung spews pyroclastic smoke on January 3, 2014 in Karo District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Picture: Getty

Hot lava runs down Mount Sinabung from a lava dome on January 3, 2014 in Karo District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Picture: Getty

Villagers carry belongings as they evacuate to a temporary evacuation center following another eruption at Mount Sinabung in Pintu Besi village on January 3, 2014 in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Picture: Getty

The number of displaced persons has increased to 19,000 in western Indonesia as Mount Sinabung continues to spew ash and smoke after several eruptions since September. Eleven deaths have been recorded as a result of the eruptions with hundreds more falling ill. Officials expect the number of evacuees to rise as volcanic activity remains high.